Historic Cypress & Old‑Growth Pine Trim: A South Louisiana Tradition We’re Proud to Preserve

Cajun Conservation
Jun 30
2 min read

South Louisiana is rich with architectural character—and at Cajun Conservation, we consider it our mission to help preserve it. One of the most iconic features of historic homes across Acadiana, New Orleans, and River Parishes is the use of cypress and old-growth pine trim. These materials aren’t just beautiful—they’re part of our cultural identity.

In every historic remodel we take on, our goal is to conserve, match, or replicate these original materials with the same pride they were installed with 100+ years ago.

What Makes Cypress and Old‑Growth Pine So Special?

Cypress

Native to Louisiana’s swamps and bayous, cypress is naturally resistant to:

Moisture and humidity
Insects and decay
Warping and swelling

The tight, vertical grain and golden-to-reddish color of old-growth cypress adds unmatched warmth and character to trim, baseboards, and crown.

Old-Growth Heart Pine

Cut from longleaf pines that grew for centuries before harvesting, heart pine is:

Extremely dense and resin-rich
Rich in amber and reddish tones
Structurally strong and stable

You can’t buy true old-growth pine from a big box store anymore—it must be salvaged or custom milled, which we specialize in.

Our Approach to Historic Trim Conservation

At Cajun Conservation, we don’t take shortcuts with historic properties. Here’s what we do instead:

1. Match Existing Profiles

We use calipers and molding gauges to replicate original trim dimensions—no guesswork or close-enough shortcuts.

2. Source or Salvage Authentic Materials

We work with reclaimed lumber yards, mill old cypress when possible, and reuse original pieces wherever structurally sound.

3. Preserve Handcrafted Integrity

Nail holes, dovetail joints, hand-scribed casing—we honor every detail that makes a historic home feel real and rooted in time.

Real Projects, Real Preservation

“We thought the original trim in our 1920s house was too far gone. Cajun Conservation milled new cypress baseboards to match the old ones perfectly—and even reused some original crown in the dining room.”— Client in Breaux Bridge

“No one else would touch our shotgun house without gutting it. These guys brought it back to life with salvaged pine and custom trim that looks 100 years old—in the best way.”— Homeowner in Algiers Point

Our Favorite Applications for Cypress & Heart Pine

Location	Material	Why We Use It
Baseboards	Cypress	Moisture resistance near slab floors
Crown Molding	Heart Pine	Adds weight, warmth, and tradition
Door/Window Casings	Cypress	Easy to work, classic grain
Wainscoting & Beams	Cypress / Pine	Structurally strong and visually rich

Final Word

If you live in or love a historic home, don’t settle for generic trim that erases its story. At Cajun Conservation, we treat every historic trim job as a restoration of culture, not just construction.

Want to preserve the soul of your South Louisiana home?